Chad to host african water forum in N’Djamena july 2026

The Minister of State for Finance, Tahir Hamid Nguilin, and the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Chad, Farouk Mollah Banna, held a press briefing this Friday to unveil the upcoming African Water Forum From Vision to Action, scheduled for July 15–16, 2026, in N’Djamena.

Speaking with pride, Minister Nguilin confirmed Chad’s central role in hosting this pivotal continental event. « Hosting the African Water Forum on Chadian soil is a source of immense national pride, » he stated, underscoring the significance of the gathering.

Highlighting Chad’s abundant water resources, the Minister emphasized the country’s unique position as a « water-rich nation. » He pointed to the Lake Chad basin, major rivers like the Chari and Logone, as well as smaller yet vital lakes such as Fitri, Léré, and Iro. Chad also shares the Nubian Aquifer and multiple transboundary basins that sustain neighboring regions, reinforcing its strategic importance in regional water security.

Despite these advantages, Chad faces persistent challenges, including climate change impacts, rapid population growth, and underdeveloped water infrastructure. These pressing issues, Nguilin argued, make the upcoming forum not just timely but essential for advancing continental water security strategies.

« By hosting this forum, Chad reaffirms its commitment to placing water security at the heart of national development priorities, » he asserted. « It is also a testament to the confidence our partners place in our ability to drive meaningful change in this critical sector. »

The World Bank’s Resident Representative, Farouk Mollah Banna, added further momentum to the event by announcing a substantial financial commitment. « The World Bank is finalizing a landmark $160 million water sector project, » he revealed, « slated for board approval just two weeks prior to the forum. »

The African Water Forum will convene policymakers, technical experts, and financial partners from across the continent. Together, they will explore innovative solutions for strengthening water governance and ensuring sustainable access to this vital resource.